Final
Economic Impact of the Recycling Industry
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Votes:
Action Taken:
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12:13 PM -- The Economic Impact of the Recycling Industry, Ms. Marjorie Griek, Colorado Association for Recycling
Ms. Marjorie Griek, Colorado Association for Recycling, discussed the economic impacts of the recycling industry. A copy of her presentation and an article on the recycling industry in Colorado were distributed to the committee (Attachments M and N). She explained that the recycling industry is an untapped economic development resource and that Colorado lags behind other states' recycling industry efforts. The industry pays higher than average wages. The only governmental support from the industry in Colorado is from revenue generated from the waste tire fee, which has helped stimulate the industry. However, the government's role in the industry can also involve providing grant funding, tax incentives, recycling market development zones, and expediting permitting for recycling facilities. Also, public/private partnerships can be effective and the state should designate a primary state agency for oversight of the industry. She commented on other state's recycling industry efforts.
Ms. Griek continued by requesting that the legislature renew the waste tire fee, which is due to sunset in 2007. She also requested that the fee be 25 cents if Referendums C and D pass. She indicated that the extra money could be used for the industry to help develop the recycling infrastructure in the state. She estimated that the fee increase would raise $750,000 annually. Ms. Griek discussed the issue of bottle deposit laws. She explained that retailers do not like storing bottles and there is opposition to bottle transportation costs. Senator Bacon commented that he has observed successful bottle deposit programs in other states. Senator Evans discussed the costs for creating new landfills in Colorado due to the regulatory process.
12:26 PM -- Lunch Break